Introduction 

Welcome to the knowledge portal for catchment management. This portal contains relevant cutting-edge knowledge, experiences and guidelines from international and Rwandan organizations to guide catchment plan implementation. It aims to be a source of inspiration for applying Integrated Water Resources Management for building healthy and productive catchments as the bases for Rwanda's green economy as outlined in the EDPRS2.The IWRM approach will be progressively mainstreamed in public and private sector actions in the catchment.

How to use the toolbox?

On the homepage you have an overview of the tools that open by clicking on them. The tools consist of an introduction to the subject followed by links to relevant publications and videos with easy access. A menu at right hand of each tool allows easy navigation to the other tools.

IWRM Framework and general principles

The core IWRM framework consist of tools developed by the Global Water Partnership (GWP). This IWRM toolbox covers the A) enabling environment, B) institutional arrangements, and C) management instruments. This portal offers access to comprehensive set of tools for coordinated development of land and water related resources throughout the catchment to optimize social, economic and environmental outcomes on the long term.

Next to the 'Pure IWRM Tools' this portal links to tools, approaches and knowledge nodes in water, land and agriculture. This is information developed and tested by expert organizations following the highest quality standards. This catchment management portal aims at government agencies, NGOs, CBOs, private sector and individuals for inspiration in landscape restoration, flood and drought management, water and sanitation, water storage, climate smart agriculture. Local experts are responsible for the selection of appropriate tools fit for purpose and adapt the tools to local conditions in the catchments.

The toolbox promotes investments in the catchment that build on: a) market-based solutions for water related income and job creation  b) principles from the circular economy as recycling water and nutrients and energy from waste c)  principle of building with nature as in slow terrace building using natural erosion and sedimentation processes instead of mechanical soil movement, vegetation buffers instead of cement walls, small-scale runoff retention and floodplains to absorb peak flows.